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Tag: Imo

  • A time to dance in Imo

    A time to dance in Imo

    The Supreme Court ruling validating Governor Chekwas Okorocha’s election was not only his to savour. Residents also took to the streets to celebrate. OKODILI NDIDI reports

    The entire state erupted into jubilation shortly after the news of Governor Rochas Okorocha’s Supreme Court victory filtered in. Women, youths, politicians and clergymen alike, took to the street, singing and dancing.

    The reason for the wild jubilation may not be unconnected to the suspense that had trailed the suit brought against the state Governor’s victory by the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate, Chief Emeka Ihedioha.

    Right from the moment the petition was filed at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Owerri, the Imo State capital, PDP supporters had openly told whoever cared to listen that the governor’s victory will only last for as long as it takes the Tribunal to give its ruling.

    But after the Tribunal and the Appeal Court threw out the petition on technical grounds, the battle ground was shifted to the Supreme Court, where it was to be decided if the petition will be returned to the Tribunal for hearing, thus the Governor’s supporters waited with berthed breath for the judgment.

    Leading the jubilant women on the victory dance, Mrs. Gertrude Oduka said that the Supreme Court judgment has affirmed the people’s mandate and put to rest the distractions the PDP’s petition had caused the state government and the entire people of the state.

    She noted that the people voted massively for the governor in the last election because of his unprecedented achievements, adding that the women are now relaxed and optimistic that with the “petition now laid to rest,” the governor will concentrate on his Rescue Mission Agenda for the state.

    Mrs. Oduka who is also the Chairman of the Imo State Universal Basic Education Board (IMSUBEB), said that the large turnout of women and youths who gathered to celebrate the Supreme Court judgment was an indication that it affirmed the people’s mandate.

    Meanwhile the governor acknowledged Court judgement with gladness.

    A statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary Sam Onwuemeodo said, “With this remarkable judgment of the Supreme Court, Chief Ihedioha had exhausted all his legal entitlements with regard to the 2015 gubernatorial election. And since he was the only governorship candidate who challenged Governor Okorocha’s victory at the Court, and with the Supreme Court judgment, the legal chapter of the 2015 governorship poll in the state has been finally closed and for better too.

    “The Rescue Mission government in the state has highly commended the Supreme Court for respecting and endorsing the electoral and civic rights of Imo people to choose who would govern them. We have always held the judiciary in high esteem and shall continue to do so because that arm of government has continued to earn the confidence of Imo people.

    “And for Chief Ihedioha, we would only advise him and his PDP supporters to now give peace a chance in the state. Time has come for them to drop the toga of war which they had put on since the 2015 election and all through the time they were in court against Governor Okorocha.

    “It is on record that when the election petition tribunal that sat in Owerri gave its judgment dismissing the petition of Chief Ihedioha against the victory of governor Okorocha, we pleaded with him with every sense of responsibility to allow the matter end at that level and to join hands with Governor Okorocha to work for the progress of the state and her people. But that passionate appeal was neither acknowledged nor heeded to.”

    The statement continued: “Again when Chief Ihedioha proceeded to the Court of Appeal in absolute disregard of our earlier entreaty to allow the sleeping dog lie and at the end of the day, the Court of Appeal also threw away his case by upholding the judgment of the election petition tribunal, we equally pleaded with him again to stop the matter at that stage in the interest of the state and her people. He also did not consider that candid appeal, and went to the Supreme Court.

    “Now, having lost at the Supreme Court, we would only call on him to give peace a chance and advise his PDP supporters who have continued to threaten the peace of the state with their actions and utterances to also know that the matter is over, and they should now decide to be partners in progress.

    “The governor thanks Imo people for all their support and prayers that had seen him victorious from the tribunal to the Supreme Court. The governor, as a matter of fact, would remain thankful to God almighty and to Imo people in general”.

    Reacting to the judgment, Ihedioha, said, “Today the apex Court of our nation’s judicial system, the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered judgement striking out my legal challenge of the declaration of His Excellency, Chief Ethelbert Anayo Okorocha OON, as Governor elect by the INEC following the 2015 Governorship election in our dear Imo State.

    “Having been privileged to preside over an arm of our national legislature and being a firm believer in the trinity of the arms of our democratic governance and constitutionalism, I accept the outcome of the matter and restate that the contest which was never personal is now over.

    “I must reiterate that although the factual complaints we made over the irregularities that bedevilled the governorship election were never heard or determined on the merits by any level of the Court’s hierarchy, our matter was struck out on technical grounds, I hold no grudges”.

    He continued that, “I consequently express my heartfelt appreciation to the teeming Imo citizens who supported our project and desire to “rebuild Imo together” Let us all be reassured that by the grace of Almighty God in whichever circumstance or capacity, I remain committed to putting our dear Imo State first and contributing my quota to achieving the hope of an Imo State of our collective dream.

    “I wish therefore to thank the leadership, membership of our great party, the PDP and her teeming supporters in the state for their continued support and prayers especially those unsung heroes of our team who toiled day and night while promoting our vision and candidacy.

    “Finally, I wish Governor Okorocha well, while urging him to take into account the apparently dwindling fortunes of Imo State and the avoidable economic hardship confronting our people under his watch.”

     

  • Imo: Supreme Court dismisses ex-Deputy Speaker’s appeal

    Imo: Supreme Court dismisses ex-Deputy Speaker’s appeal

    Former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha lost Thursday  morning in his challenge of Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha’s victory at the last governorship election in the state.

    The Supreme Court in a unanimous judgment  dismissed the appeal by Ihedioha, who was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election held on April 11. Okorocha was the candidate of the All Progressives Party (APC).

    A seven-man bench, led by Justice John Fabiyi, affirmed an earlier  judgment by the Court of Appeal, Owerri, which held that Ihedioha’s failure to properly serve Okorocha and his party robbed the appellate court the jurisdiction to hear the case.

    The Supreme Court noted that Ihedioha’s failure to indicate, in the appeal processes (documents), addresses of other respondents was fatal to the case.

    They consequently dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit. Ihedioha appealed the ruling.

    The Imo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal had, in a ruling on July 22, dismissed Ihedioha’s petition against Okorocha’s victory on ‎on the grounds that it was incompetence.

    The Court of Appeal, Owerri dismissed the appeal in its decision given on September 3, 2015, prompting the PDP candidate to appeal to the Supreme Court.

    [news_box style=”2″ display=”tag” link_target=”_blank” tag=”Tribunal” count=”8″ show_more=”on” show_more_type=”link”]

  • Imo shortchanged, says Okorocha

    Imo shortchanged, says Okorocha

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has lamented that the state has not received allocation befitting its status as an oil-producing state.

    He said what the state receives as allocation from the Federation Account in nine months was what a Southsouth state gets in one month.

    Okorocha spoke when members of the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission (RMFC), led by the Chairman, Elvis Mbam, visisted him at the Government House in Owerri.

    The governor lamented that many of the oil blocks belonging to the state were ceded to Rivers State.

    He called for a restructuring so that weaker states would be protected in terms of revenue allocation.

    His words: “It is proper that states pay the same salary structure considering the disparity in the revenue allocations.

    “The economy also needs diversification. The country’s economy must be diversified to de-emphasise the dependence on oil revenue. Since the commission decides who gets what, how and when, the case of Imo should be reviewed as an oil-producing state. It should be treated as other oil-producing states.

    “Imo state has also justified whatever it got as allocation. The state was the first to pay the N20,000 minimum wage and has kept faith with salary payment.”

    Mbam said the commission was charged with reviewing salaries and other revenue issues within its mandate, to reflect the economic realities.

    He thanked the government for accepting to host the commission’s retreat, adding that the development speaks volume of the government’s commitment to inter-governmental relations.

     

     

  • Flood victims to get govt’s support

    Flood victims to get govt’s support

    The Imo State government has assured flood victims in riverine communities in Oguta council of government’s intervention to cushion their suffering.

    Governor Rochas Okorocha, who was represented by the deputy governor, Eze Madumere, spoke when he visited some of the flooded communities.

    Madumere advised the victims to keep off the river banks.

    He said the government would deploy health workers and environmentalists to provide medication and prevent epidemic breakout.

    The deputy governor said relief materials were on the way to serve as palliatives.

    He said the state would liaise with the Federal Government to ensure that they got relief materials.

  • Homes, farms submerged in Imo

    Homes, farms submerged in Imo

    Just when the residents thought the flood was over, it swept in again, leaving communities in grief. OKODILI NDIDI reports

    The rampaging flood that rendered hundreds of coastline dwellers homeless and farmlands desolate in Oguta Council Area of Imo State has receded and normal life had returned. Farmers were already looking forward to a bumper harvest. Then suddenly, the rivers, like a caged lion, forced through the barriers and submerged the entire communities.

    Caught unawares, the communities, which were yet to recover from the havoc of the 2012 flood disaster, were overrun with little resistance. Their homes, properties, farmlands were all washed away as they struggled to escape to higher lands.

    Even though the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had earlier warned of a repeat of the 2012 disaster, and advised farmers to harvest their crops and evacuate the flood plains to minimise the damage. But the timely counsel was ignored.

    But one fateful day, as some survivors put it, the Oguta blue lake with its calm and dazzling beauty, could turn to a rampaging monster that will swallow its hapless neighbours.

    Mr. Lawrence Ihebuike, a peasant farmer, had retired to bed after the day’s job of attending to his flourishing crops, when suddenly he heard a gushing sound followed by rushing water that overflowed his entire three bedroom bungalow.

    He said, “All I could rescue were my two little children, who I carried and swam through the flood that had almost submerged the entire building.”

    Mr. Ikenna Samuelsson said, “In 2012, I lost everything I laboured for. My farmland and fish ponds were washed away by the flood. But I refused to give up and returned to the farms but see what has happened again. Then we were promised heaven and earth by the politicians that turned the 2011 flood disaster to a political show but nothing happened and today, another disaster has happened and we don’t know where to start from.”

    A night after the incident, one could hardly know the boundary between the ocean and where used to be lush farmlands. The crops, especially yam and cassava were uprooted and the premature tubers floated on the rising ocean.

    From a patch of land located on the hilly part of the coastline, the flood victims, sat in pitiable groups and watched helplessly the ruins of what used to be their homes and farmland.

    Many of them wept uncontrollably, while others too dazed to utter a world gazed forlornly at the distant sky as if the panacea to there is locked somewhere in the cloud.

    Although, experts had forewarned the coastline communities in Oguta and Ohaji-Egbema that the state will experience unusual heavy amount of rainfall this year, which may likely result to the rise in the water level in the surrounding ocean.

    The state had quickly put up measures to avert the predicted disaster. Blocked drainages were reopened and illegal structures built on waterways were promptly demolished.

    But as soon as the initial fears of the warning were conquered, the farmers returned to their homes, not knowing that the danger was far from over.

    Also lately, NEMA had asked the residents of the coastal communities evacuate the floodplain and harvest their crops as quickly as possible to mitigate the damages that will come with the forecasted flood.

    The NEMA Coordinator, Owerri Operations, Dr. Innocent Ezeaku, who disclosed this on Monday during a sensitization programme titled “Flood: Early Warning and Solid Waste Management” in Ose-Motto autonomous community Oguta Council Area, said that the way to avoid excess loss in case of a re-occurrence of the 2012 flooding, is for the people to be prepared and apply the early warning measures.

    According to him, “I want everybody to be very vigilant this time around, because the flood can come overnight and overrun the communities. The people should call on NEMA any time they notice unusual rise in the level of the rivers around them.

    He disclosed that the Federal Government has built Internally Displaced Person’s camps (IDP) in different communities of the flood prone areas as part of its preparation for the expected flooding.

    Ezeaku, added further that relief materials like food items and other essential materials have been procured to enable for quick response to any displaced person, while urging the state government to preposition medicament necessary for effective response.

    The NEMA boss who attributed the flooding to indiscriminate dumping of solid waste into rivers, urged the people to be desist from activities that could endanger the environment.

    However, these warnings could not save the day as over 100 hundred houses and large expanse of farmland including cash crops have all been submerged.

    Meanwhile the Deputy Chief of Staff to the state Governor, Mr. Kingsley Uju, has assured the victims that the state government is doing everything possible to cushion their plight.

    Speaking during the presentation of relief materials to the victims who were reluctant to move into the Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDP) Camps, Uju advised the people to move to the upland or    designated places across the state.

  • Imo accuses Agip of neglect

    Imo accuses Agip of neglect

    The Imo State government has criticised the Agip oil company, accusing it of neglecting its host communities.

    It described the firm’s alleged action as intentional and unbelievable.

    The state Deputy Governor Eze Madumere who stated this during the 19th Farmers Day celebrations hosted by the oil company at the Green River Project Plant Propagation Centre in Ogba-Egbema, Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, noted that it was the first time the  state would be invited for such an important event as an oil-producing state.

    He recalled that the poor management of the pollution caused by the explosion of two crude oil storage facilities of the Firm polluted the source of water of about 13 communities in Egbema, one of the oil producing communities in the state, adding that it was the intervention of the State government that restored peace in the community.

    Madumere who appeared angry, said that it will be difficult to vouch for AGIP when it comes to the issue of Corporate Social Responsibility, as a result of its dealings with the host communities in the state.

    He described as surprising the fact that the firm has been teaching latest farming techniques, offering extension services and micro credit to farmers in over 120 rural communities without including any community in the state.

    The Deputy Governor also condemned the nonchalant attitude of the company in keeping the agreements reached with the host communities, especially as it concerns employment.

    He called on the company to review its modes of operation and relationship with Imo people, urging the company to open an operational office in the state.

     

  • Imo denies issuing dud cheques to workers

    The government of Imo State has described as unfounded, allegations that the cheques paid to the workers were dud. It said none of the cheques issued for salary payment bounced as alleged in some sections of the media.

    A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, said: “No cheque issued to any worker bounced or was rejected by any bank. The government decided to adopt the cheque system to check the ghost worker syndrome, salary padding, and other prevalent anomalies.

    “The government had paid civil servants, teachers, Youth Must Work staffs and workers of the parastatals, except those whose issues have not been resolved, up till September, and no one complained of being given a dud cheque.

    “The only problem we had was when hoodlums, loyal to the opposition, stormed the Imo International Trade Centre, disturbed the distribution process and went away with some of the booklets.

    “So we notified the banks concerned to cancel cheques with the serial numbers of the stolen booklets and the banks acted accordingly. About ten of the hoodlums have been arrested and will be charged to court in a matter of days.

    “For the remaining workers, their salary arrears are ready but they have not been paid because the government and labour leaders are yet to reach a consensus on their fate because the parastatals had been concessioned.

    “The government has resolved to continue with the cheque system until the desired result is achieved”.

  • Imo turns on the heat on criminals

    Imo turns on the heat on criminals

    Violent criminals are no longer having a field day in Imo State as the police haul in suspected kidnappers, child-traffickers, cultists and robbers. OKODILI NDIDI reports

    Crime no longer seems to be so risk-free in Imo State. But that is because the police are tightening the screw on felons. Kidnapping is no more rampant. Child-trafficking appears to be in recession, as are armed robbery and cult clashes.

    •CP Lakanu
    •CP Lakanu

    Since the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Taiwo Lakanu took office, there seems to be only two options left for criminal elements in the state, especially kidnappers and cultists: relocate from the state or meet your waterloo.

    The dragnet of the police has made it almost impossible for these daredevil kidnappers to execute their plans without being caught or killed in gun battle with policemen. Unlike in the past when kidnappers smiled to the bank with millions of naira extorted from family members of their victims, now they are caught even before they can open up negotiations and the victims rescued without any ransom.

    It has also seized to be business as usual for notorious cultists, who had turned the state, especially Owerri, the state capital, into a killing field. Deadly cult clashes which often resulted to massive waste of live and properties of innocent people in broad daylight has also reduced significantly.

    The Commissioner of Police had on assumption of duty on September 2, vowed to make the state uncomfortable for all criminal elements that hid under different guises to perpetrate crime and going by the successful bursting of notorious armed robbery, kidnapping and child trafficking syndicates, the police boss has kept his promise.

    The residents, especially businessmen and hoteliers, had constantly lived with the fear of the kidnappers who attacked their victims even in broad daylight. But today the presence of police patrol vans at every corner of the state has scared the hoodlums away and restored the confidence of the people.

    Showcasing the achievements of his first month in the command, Lakanu promised to sustain the offensive against the criminals until crime is reduced to the barest minimum in the state.

    He attributed his achievements to a renewed strategy, re-structuring, training and re-training of personnel as well as re-invigoration of outfits and coordinated efforts.

    Enumerating the achievements recorded by the Command, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, disclosed that “on  the 21/09/2015, following a tip-off, eagle-eyed operatives of the command nabbed an armed robbery syndicate connected with the robbery of N47 million on 07/09/2015 from one Prince Francis Ogbuji ‘m’ of Ukoromi filling station Amakohia Owerri.

    •The suspected kidnappers
    •The suspected kidnappers

    “The suspects arrested in the well coordinated operation at Mile 1 Diobu Port Harcourt include; One Ifeanyi  Henry Anyaegbu ‘m’ 36 years of age of Amaimo Ikeduru L.G.A but resides at 96 Emenike Street Mile 1 Diobu, Port Harcourt, Ogadi Nwaka ‘m’ 32 years of age of Awo-Mbieri, Mbaitoli L.G.A, Chukwuemeka Anyanwu ‘m’ 35 years of age of Amorji Isiala Ngwa L.G.A Abia state but resides at No. 32 Nnanka Street Mile 1 Diobu Port Harcourt and  Ede Ogechukwu Samuel ‘m’ 26 years of age of Akpugo Nkanu L.G.A Enugu state but resides at No. 22 Okwelle Street, Mile 2 Diobu Port Harcourt.

    “Exhibits recovered from the suspects include; one Toyota Carina with reg. No. SPR – 872 – PB which was used as the operational vehicle and one Nissan Wagon with reg. No. FST – 897 – DY. The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation for possible prosecution.

    The statement continued that, “on the 8/09/2015, following a tip-off, operatives of the command busted a child trafficking syndicate which uses Comfort Orphanage/Child Care Centre, located at Ngerem Estate, Irete, Owerri West L.G.A to carry out their nefarious activities. During the raid at the hideout, the following persons were arrested including pregnant women and children.

    “Those arrested include Chizoba Obiagwu ‘f” 20 years of age from Umuduru Umunoha Mbaitoli L.G.A, Happiness Iheanacho ‘f’ 27yrs of age from Umuokenga Eziobodo Owerri West Local Government Area, Chidinma Iheanacho 7 years and Chioma Iheanacho 5 years.

    “Others were Ihusaa Chinedu ‘m’ 47 years of age from Umuodetu Nekede Owerri West L.G.A, Patience Azuoma ‘f’ 20 years of age from Umuahu Orji, Owerri North L.G.A, Sunday Ihusaa ‘m’ aged 30 years of No. 5 Bus-stop, Nekede, Owerri West L.G.A and Victor Filian ‘f’ of Nnarambia, Ahiazu Mbaise.

    “Also on the 18/09/2015 operatives of the command following a tip-off from good spirited members of the public arrested an armed robbery syndicate at Pinewood hotel along Orlu road Owerri.

    “Members of the syndicate which specialised in snatching and selling of cars came into town from Port-Harcourt and include Joseph King ‘m’ aged 26yrs of No. 1 Alfa Garden Akpajio road 1 Eleme Port Harcourt, Wisdom Labari ‘m’ aged 18 yrs of Zina road Agbonchima Port-Harcourt, Rivers state,

    John Miracle Goke ‘m’ aged 18yrs of No. 1 Chief John Goke close Akpajio Eleme, Rivers state, Okolie Paschal ‘m’ aged 19yrs of No. 91 Odami road Elelenwo, Rivers state.

    Others were, “Sunday Enyeribe ‘m’ aged 27yrs of Dunamic Lodge Umuerim Nekede Owerri. Hope Uche Apuah aged 20yrs of No. 1B Education Road, Oyibo, Rivers sate. Chima Anene aged 27yrs of Jake bus stop by Arise and Shine Abjo, Rivers state, Isaac Gbunka aged 22yrs of No. 38 Old road, Port Harcourt.

    “One Toyota Corolla with car registration number. EF – 964 – FST and one Ford Explorer XLS Jeep with reg. No. APP – 987 – BZ were recovered from the suspects”.

    Also in Police arrested within the period under review according to the Command’s spokesperson were members of the Vikings Confraternity, “on the 16th of September, 2015, operatives of Imo State Command with the aid of good spirited individuals arrested two cultists one Friday Umeibe ‘m’ of Ohafia L.G.A in Abia state and one Samuel Eke ‘m’ of Amaekpu Ohafia L.G.A in Abia state.

    “The two boys who are both National Diploma 2 (ND 2) Public Administration students of Federal Polytechnic Nekede were arrested inside the school premises and have made useful statements to the police admitting to be members of a cult group known as Vikings Confraternity. One silent stainless steel pistol was recovered from the cultists.

    “Also on the 13th of September, 2015, operatives of Imo State Command acting on a tip-off arrested one Chizoba Nnadogu ‘f’ 25yrs of age from Umuaka Imo State who gave birth to a baby boy on the 19th of June, 2015 at Onyebuchi Maternity Clinic, Umuhu Okabia in Orsu L.G.A and thereafter conspired with one Ijeoma Eboka ‘f’ 42yrs of age from Okporo Orlu in Orlu L.G.A and Lovelene Okereke ‘f’ 33yrs of age from Orlu in Orlu L.G.A and sold the baby boy to One Chinwe Chukwuka ‘f’ 46yrs of age from Umuoma Ihioma in Orlu L.G.A at the cost of N750, 000 while the sum of N200, 000 was given to the mother of the child”.

     

    The statement also revealed that “on the 05/09/2015, the Command got intelligence report that two rival cult groups known as Vikings and Black Axe were engaged in a fight at Njemanze Street, Owerri. In a coordinated operation, operatives of the command were quickly drafted to the scene where one of the suspected cult members was found dead and others wounded.

    “Those arrested include Chukwuma Anuga ‘m’, Lucky Ekpefua ‘m’, Kalu Aji ‘m’ , Chukwuma Peter ‘m’, Uche Felix ‘m’ and Uju Anukam ‘m’. The suspects who are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation have made useful statements to the Police on their involvement on the robbery attack at No. Sir Njoku Street, Area ‘M’ World Bank Owerri on the 1st of September, 2015 during which properties worth millions of naira were carted away.

    “There was also the case of unlawful possession of firearms.

    On 04/09/2015, eagle-eyed operatives of the command while on surveillance patrol arrested one Ifeanyi Nwadike ‘m’ of No. 71 Douglas road Owerri, items recovered from the suspect include a locally made pistol and one live cartridge”.

    Meanwhile residents of the state have continued to laud the efforts of the police in pruning down the alarming rate of crime in the state. Dr Okwusinachi Moses, stated that, “at last we can go about our business without the fear of been whisked away by gunmen. We commend the efforts of the Police and we urge them to do more until these criminals are sent packing”.

    •Some recovered arms and ammunition
    •Some recovered arms and ammunition

    Also at Ohaji-Egbema, a riverine community, which has been the haven of hardened criminals and cultists, a notorious gang of armed robbers has willingly surrendered their weapons following the recent onslaught against criminal hideouts by the Police.

    Chief  Samuel Ibecheodo, a member of the Police Community Relations Commission (PCRC), who lauded the achievements of the CP, however urged the residents and stakeholders to partner the Police in fighting crime in the state.

    He posited that with credible information and cooperation from the people, the police command under the current leadership will restore peace and order in the state, “we have all seen what the new CP, Mr. Lakanu did in just one month, the kidnappers and armed robbers are relocating the state and we should support and encourage him to do more”.

    The breakdown of the number of arrests made under the period include; 17 suspected armed robbers, nine suspected kidnappers, eight suspected cultists, 14 suspected child traffickers The items recovered include seven vehicles, arms and ammunition, while eight kidnap victims were rescued.

     

  • Imo prepares students for leadership

    Imo prepares students for leadership

    Leadership comes with enormous challenges, so  leaders should be prepared to cope with its challenges.

    This was the thinking of the founder of the Nneoma Leadership and Citizenship Forum and wife of the Imo State Governor, Nneoma Rochas Okorocha that led to a one-day seminar for Senior Prefects in both public and private schools across the state, with the theme, “tomorrow’s leaders”.

    The event which was held at the Imo International Convention Center (IICC), was an interactive section between the young student leaders and selected resource persons, who drilled them on the essence of leadership and what it entails to be a good leader.

    To the organisers, the young students as tomorrow’s leaders need to develop the right attitude towards leadership through such training which will give them the platform to ask questions and get answers concerning the rudiments of leadership positions.

    For the brightly dressed school prefects, the impact of the seminar was spontaneous and electric. Some of them could not contain the joy and ecstasy of coming face to face with some distinguished Nigerians from both the public and private sector, including the state Governor, who accorded them great honour as leaders in the making.

    Delivering a paper titled, “building tomorrow’s leaders”, the wife of the Governor, stated that, “I believe strongly in the need to inculcate good leadership skills in our youths who of course will become leaders of tomorrow. Our future, the future of our nation is in their hands. A cursory look at our society today and you will agree with me that something needs to be done.

    “We have as a nation lost our way, the country has all the natural resources that God has endowed us with and we should be amongst, if not the greatest country on earth but we are not. The reason we are not where we are supposed to be as a nation is because of leadership failure. We need strong, competent leaders. As our generation appears to have failed in this regard, it is important that we build tomorrow’s leaders today. I believe that leaders are made and not born. To be a great leader, one has to exhibit certain qualities. These qualities can be learnt at home, in schools or in a forum like this. I believe in catching them young. You are all potential leaders.

    We want to build future leaders who have the right moral values and ethical principal. Every child has a peculiar talent imbued in him by God which could be made useful through self discovery.”

    She challenged the students to strive to be the best in their academic pursuits, stressing that as tomorrow’s leaders; the society is waiting for them.

    The facilitator also pointed out to the students that there was a reason why they had been appointed senior prefects in their various schools, urging them to imbibe the ethical principles and values that would be instilled into them during the programme.

    She maintained that the main objective of the leadership and citizenship forum was to nurture and inspire young people as future leaders and instill moral and ethical values in them.

    The resource persons drawn from both national and international organizations tutored the students on such topics as “Developing a Leadership Mindset for Excellence”, delivered by Linus Okorie, “Becoming a Model Citizen”, by Muyiwa Afolabi and “The Magnitude of Attitude: Being the Best”, by Ubong Essien.

    In his paper Okorie, a leadership analyst, noted that leadership starts from the mind through a process he called “KASH” Knowledge, Attitude, Skills, Habit.

    He maintained that great leaders must possess a vast repertoire of knowledge through reading, developing the right attitude, acquiring marketable skills and good habits.

    Others harped on selflessness, integrity, dedication and discipline and personal sacrifices as prerequisites for attaining great heights in life.

    The governor urged the students not to allow the obstacles of life deprive them from attaining greatness. He also urged them to avoid self-doubt and be passionate in the pursuit of their career.

    Okorocha who spoke on the topic, “Starting”, noted that Governor Okorocha the greatest challenge facing any prospective entrepreneur or leader is “starting the project which he has envisioned”.

    He stressed that as future leaders, they should avoid negative peer pressure as it impedes progress in life.

    The Imo governor further harped on the need for students to discover themselves early in life and have passionate desire to accomplish their ambition, adding that God always helps those who have determination and focus to succeed.

    Some of the students who expressed gratitude to the organisers, said that they have been prepared to take up their roles as leaders in their respective schools, while they evolve into the leaders the nation is waiting for.

  • Imo showcases potential in Turkey 

    Imo showcases potential in Turkey 

    Shortly after an economic summit in Owerri, Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha led an entourage of farmers and industrialists to Turkey. The aim was not just to display the state’s business opportunities but also seal a partnership to launch its industrial plan. OKODILI NDIDI reports 

    They jetted off to Istanbul, Turkey shortly after a successful economic summit in Owerri, the Imo State capital. The trip was to implement the resolutions reached at the summit. No fewer than 120 people were on the trip to participate in a trade exhibition. Among them were farmers, industrialists and other stripes of small- and medium-scale entrepreneurs. The state governor, Rochas Okorocha led the delegation.

    Just like the State Economic Summit, the reason and focus of the mission was clear: to create a platform for interface between the Imo State business community and that of Turkey, to seek areas of mutual collaboration and partnership in industrialising the state.

    Before the Turkey trip, the state government had designed and concluded plans to build the largest single industrial park in Africa, so part of the reasons for the overseas trip was to solicit the cooperation and expertise of Turkish investors in realizing the highly capital intensive project.

    Also, it was intended that at the end of the Trade Exhibition in the Asian continent, the businessmen from Imo State, would have learnt how the economy of Turkey was spurned from recess to becoming one of the most viable in Asia, so as to learn and implement the secret to develop their state.

    Also at the Trade Exhibition, were businessmen from Abia state led by their Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and others from Akwa Ibom State, who were also searching for partnerships to better the economies of their states.

    Welcoming the delegations, the President of KONSAID, a Turkish business conglomerate spanning all sectors of the economy, Mr. Mr. Abdullah Basci said that the industrial revolution in Turkey started 20 years ago by a group of young and determined businessmen and industrialists, which eventually evolved into the successful business conglomerate that is celebrated in the entire Asia continent.

    He assured that the Turkish business community will partner with the states in various areas of interest, like industrial, Agricultural and Tourism sector.

    He said, the trade exhibition is organised annually to bring investors from around the world together to discuss areas of possible collaboration.

    Governor Okorocha, while addressing the Turkish investors at a dinner, called on interested Turkish investors to take advantage of the abundant mineral resources in Imo and the proposed Industrial Park to invest in the state.

    He stated his administration will continue to build a robust business relationship with the Turkish business community in order to learn from the economic achievements of the country.

    According to him, the business trip was part of his administration’s plan to industrialise the state in the next four years, adding that, “in Imo state today we are building an enabling environment to attract and encourage direct foreign investments. We have a harmonised tax system and reduced the cost of doing business in the state, aside from other incentives which cannot be resisted, including the huge mineral and human resources”.

    He continued that, “my administration has adopted the industry! Industry!!Industry!!! Job! Job!!Job!!! Slogan to show our direction and commitment to the rapid industrialization of the state and this visit is in pursuit of that policy. We have brought our business community here to share ideas with their Turkish counterpart and most importantly attract investors to the state.

    “This resolve became necessary as a result of the dwindling oil fortunes, which has forced most of the states in Nigeria to look for alternative funding. In Imo State we have one of the best soil for agriculture, apart from the abundant mineral resources.

    His Abia State counterpart said that the state delegation were in Turkey to see possible areas of revamping the industrial sector of the state, especially the manufacturing sector in Abe, which he said can be turned into huge income earner for the state.

    The Acting Nigerian Ambassador to Turkey, Ibrahim Issa, assured the Turkish investors of the friendly business environment created by the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, which he urged them to leverage on.

    He said that the current change going on in Nigeria, has repositioned the country as the destination of foreign investors coming to Africa, adding that, “with what the current administration of President Buhari is doing, Nigeria is now repositioned as an investment haven and Trade Exhibitions like this will unlock the opportunities for foreign investors to interact with the Nigerian business community to see ways of building mutual economic tiers”.

    The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Emmanuel Udom, represented by the Commissioner for Investment, Commerce and Industry, Emmanuel Enoidem, appealed to the Turkish investors to visit the state and avail themselves the opportunity to invest in the oil and gas sector and other untapped potentials of the state.

    After the opening ceremonies, the members of the delegation were taken to several exhibition stands where they met with manufacturers, businessmen and real estate developers. At one of the stands, where agricultural produce packaging machines where showcased, majority of the visitors took interest on how to import the machines to Nigeria and save farmers the trouble of preserving their produce.

    A member of the delegation and former Commissioner for Information, Chief Chidi Ibe, said that the visit has broadened the scope of the businessmen and will impact on the way they carry out their businesses.

    He said that, “this visit is certainly a solid step towards the industrialization of Imo State. We have had the opportunity to interact with the industrialists from Turkey on how to set up cottage industries and the cost. Already most of them have indicated interest to visit Nigeria and we are ready to continue the discussions from there.

    “We are indeed grateful to our visionary Governor for this initiative and we are going to deploy whatever experience we garner to industrialize our state”.

    Another member of the delegation and the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Acho Ihim, stated that the Lawmakers are poised to make enabling laws that will fast track the proposed industrial revolution of the state, haven seen how it was achieved in Turkey.

    An industrialist who was also part of the delegation, Chief Jerry Chukwueke, said that such exhibition is imperative to encourage industrialization of the various states and move them away from a mono economy and dependence on Federal Allocation.

    He said, “What the governor is doing is good for the state, especially the business community. Industrialisation of Imo state will certainly transform the state by creating wealth and job opportunities and I think this is how it starts. For instance, Turkey 20 years ago was still struggling to survive but that is no longer the story today, so with knowledge and commitment and the right leadership, like what the Governor is doing, Imo State will get there sooner than expected.